Ta-Som Helena Yun: "The Dress Brings Joy and Comfort"

Ta-Som Helena Yun, known as Somi, has captivated audiences over the years, particularly through her literary presence at various city events. Her much-anticipated book, OH SUNNY, is finally in readers' hands, and she finds herself savoring each chapter, reluctant to rush through it. One memorable scene depicts her German boyfriend visiting her immigrant parents for the first time, a moment that resonated deeply with her experiences.

During a recent meeting at the Zeiss Großplanetarium in Berlin, where a partial solar eclipse was taking place, Somi reflected on the joy of witnessing such celestial events. She remarked on the beauty of cherry blossoms, suggesting that her dress would look stunning against their backdrop, a thought that may seem cliché but holds a certain truth.

What brings you happiness right now? After a prolonged illness following a COVID-19 infection, Somi expressed her joy in regaining her ability to concentrate, move, and sleep better. These small improvements in her physical condition have significantly uplifted her spirits.

However, she also finds instant joy in the music of Whitney Houston, which can lift her mood at any moment.

What are you proud of? While she finds it challenging to embrace the notion of pride, she feels immense joy over the release of her novel, which took three years to complete. The excitement of this achievement makes her want to leap and celebrate. Additionally, she shares a collective sense of pride with others following the recent impeachment of South Korean President Yoon, feeling a connection with those who have fought for change.

Where do you feel most at home? Somi enjoys spending time at home and frequently visits Café Handbestand in Berlin. She loves strolling along the Spree River with ice cream or coffee in hand, exploring markets, and admiring beautiful architecture.

Do you have any tips for parents in your city? Somi recalls that when her child was younger, an engaging children's audio guide for museums was a great way to keep them entertained. Many museums and galleries offer such guides, and she highly recommends the flashlight tour at the Natural History Museum. For summer fun, she suggests the water playground at Nordbahnhof, though her older child now prefers outings to Sephora or dining experiences.

How would you describe your style? Somi identifies her style as Somi-Style, favoring short skirts and dresses, often paired with patterned tights. She has maintained a subscription to Gambettes Box for tights for years, alongside her subscription to The Paris Review, both of which she cherishes.

Preferring blouses over sweaters, she opts for silk tops instead of jersey fabric. Jeans are a rarity for her, usually worn only when feeling tired or down. She avoids high-neck garments, as they make her feel uneasy.

What clothing item from your parents has influenced you? Somi fondly remembers her father wearing a large, chunky cardigan, a comforting memory. Her mother’s long black wool coat also holds special significance, as Somi and her sister would cling to it while she wore it. An amusing incident occurred when Somi mistakenly grabbed a stranger's coat in a supermarket, thinking it was her mother's.

What childhood clothing item do you wish you still had? At the age of seven, Somi had a cozy, oversized purple sweater that she fondly remembers searching for even at eleven. This nostalgic attachment may explain her reluctance to wear sweaters today, as none seem to compare to that cherished piece.

What clothing item from your youth do you still own? She still wears the cardigan from her younger sister's school uniform, a piece that has remained a favorite for about sixteen years due to its comfort and durability.

What clothing item have you owned the longest? Somi's Korean traditional dress, known as Hanbok, was custom-made for her when she was around fourteen or fifteen. She wore it during performances of traditional Pansori singing.

What do you wear every day? Her daily outfit typically consists of a blouse, a skirt, and tights.

Dear Somi, what are you wearing? Somi shared that she is wearing a pink dress with a bow at the back, which she purchased during a sale at H&M last autumn. During a challenging time of illness and depression, she found solace in this dress, which she bought on a whim despite it not fitting at the time. It was a small act of comfort, costing less than thirty euros.

In March, she wore this dress to celebrate the premiere of her novel, noting how perfectly it matched her book cover. The dress not only brings her joy but also provides comfort.

It feels pleasant and gives me solace.

Somi also wears a golden ring with a large green stone that belonged to her grandmother. Despite her grandmother being a reserved person who rarely expressed emotions, she once offered Somi a moment of tenderness during a difficult time, a gesture that has stayed with her. She wears four rings from her grandmother, rotating them like talismans.

Completing her outfit, she dons tights from Gambettes Box, her favorite boots from Sézane, and a bag she bought from her friend Jovana, which was essentially a gift.